The aba Group Warns Businesses To Lock up This British Summertime as Outdoor Thefts Rise and The Cost of Burglary Increases

As the British weather improves, research is already underway to see if the improving weather comes with any insurance implications.

According to research conducted by Aviva, analysis of 10 years of the insurer’s claims data reveals that theft from outbuildings and outdoor areas increases by over 25% when the clocks go forward. So for any business that keeps storage yards or has to store equipment or vehicles outside, the improving weather brings with it an increasing risk of outdoor theft. Not only this, but with milder weather conditions, it becomes easier for thieves to enter and exit such compounds and areas, without snow or poor visibility to hamper them. Further analysis reveals that the number of incidents increases all the way up until July and August as the days get longer, to a peak that is almost 40% higher than at the beginning of the year.

Further to this, research conducted by the Co-Operative shows that the overall cost of burglaries is also on the rise, where the average cost of a burglary is £225 higher than in previous years. Although analysts cite the increasing value of single items as being the key culprit.

Mr Graham Webster, the Managing Director of the aba Group stated that:

“Although we all get excited at the thought of warmer weather, business owners need to be reminded that they shouldn’t let their guard down. Smaller businesses are particularly vulnerable, especially those that are uninsured. Few start-up businesses can afford to replace all of their work-critical equipment in the event of a burglary; so it falls to commercial insurance brokers like us to remind them of the risks”.

The aba Group has been advising businesses across Bolton and Manchester on how to best manage their business risks for quite some time, making them the go-to Business Insurance Brokers locally. They can assess your business activity and determine the risks that you face, whilst advising on how to prevent them. As the spring sets in and thefts begin to rise, understanding what coverage could benefit your business is crucial.

“When disaster strikes and some cretin had made off with a company server full of critical data, or when some expensive tools have disappeared from the company warehouse, it’s nice to know that you have a point of contact who can deal with the situation on your behalf, so that you can get back to running your business. Of course, where a theft or burglary renders you unable to work, that’s where a tailored business insurance policy will kick in. We can include business interruption wordings into your overall cover so that when the worst happens; the underwriter should be able to make the resources available for you to get back to work as soon as possible in the event of a successful claim” adds Mr Webster.

If you would like to better understand your business risks, or if you feel criminal activity could be a problem for your business, the aba Group is on hand to help. Contact them today to arrange a consultation.

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About aba Group:
aba Group has been operating in Bolton for years, headed by Managing Director Graham Webster and fellow Director Lynne Eckersley, they have 70 years’ experience in the industry between them. Their specialist insurance coverage spans schools and academies, directors, officers, contractors, engineers, landlords and a whole host of other professional roles and activities; which has seen them become the go-to Commercial Insurance Broker locally.